Before Ishmael was born, an angel appeared to Hagar and told her, "I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude". He continued, "Behold, you are with child. And you shall bear a son. You .shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction. He shall be a wild man; His hand shall be against every man, And every man's hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" (Genesis 16:10-12).